6 Ways To Teach Children Correct Tooth Brushing Technique

Children need to be taught how to brush and care for their teeth by the time they are 2 years old so that by the age of 7 years old, they will know how to do it right for life.

It is in the first few years of childhood that the foundation for healthy, permanent teeth is laid. With the rise in consumption of junk food, candy and chocolates amongst kids, adequate and appropriate brushing techniques become all the more important. Children are very responsive to praise, and affection and in their early years, they learn best by imitating their parents. So,use that to your advantage while teaching them how to clean teeth.

Here are 6 ways to teach children correct tooth brushing technique:

1. Get them excited:

Nothing makes a child want to learn like telling them why it is important in the most animated manner. So start off by making them stand in front of a mirror and show them their teeth. Ask them to count how many they have, talk about how a beautiful smile is a gift and to keep their teeth sparkling white they need to take care of their teeth. Induce a little fear of cavities by telling them how they hurt a lot and that they cause other diseases, just so that they also understand the seriousness of brushing.

2. Pick the right toothbrush:

If you can get a toothbrush in fun colours or with their favourite cartoon characters, they are more likely to want to use it but make sure that the toothbrush serves your purpose. It needs to be soft-bristled, low-weight and easy for a child to learn with and use. Get your child to hold the brush if possible before buying it so you can check if the handle is designed to fit comfortably in your child's hand.

3. Holding the brush:

Stand behind your child and help him/her hold up the brush with their hand while you support the hand at an angle to make it as effortless as possible for them. Reward their efforts when they start holding it by themselves, it will be a pleasant experience and they will be more willing to learn the next steps.

Start by telling your kids all the good things a toothpaste contains which make teeth whiter and stronger. Hold the tube at the back end and squeeze only a pea sized amount of toothpaste meant for kids. Ask them to repeat after you a few times and when they get it right, compliment them.

5. Brush right:

Show them how to brush one to two teeth at a time using a gentle, circular motion. Tell them to start on the inside and follow it up with cleaning the outside surfaces and finally, brushing the chewing areas. Tell them to be slow in the beginning so they don’t accidently hurt their gums. Ask them to gently clean the tongue. Show them the results in the mirror and tell them how their teeth are going to stay in good shape for years to come.

6. Spit and rinse:

Prevent them from swallowing too much toothpaste by making sure they rinse and spit after brushing.

Show and tell is the best way to make this habit enjoyable for your children since they learn by watching your actions and reactions. Make it a game and watch them get excited by it every morning and night.What’s more, if you could make brushing a family ritual twice a day with the help of stories or rhymes to make it fun, brushing can become something your children look forward to rather than run away from!